TECHNICAL STANDARD
SSPC-AB 1-2019
Mineral and Slag Abrasives
AMPP / SSPC
2019
Current
WHAT DOES THIS STANDARD COVER?
Addresses requirements relevant to mineral and slag abrasive materials used for blast cleaning steel and other surfaces.
WHY IS IT RELEVANT?
Useful where project quality-control requirements include verification of abrasive type, properties and suitability before abrasive blast cleaning. Do not create universal PIL acceptance limits for abrasive properties.
KEY INSPECTION CONSIDERATIONS
The standard addresses requirements for mineral and slag abrasives used for blast cleaning steel and other surfaces. Abrasive quality can influence blasting behaviour, surface condition and the potential introduction of contamination. Abrasive acceptance and prepared-surface acceptance should be treated as separate inspection activities. Applicable project requirements should determine the required abrasive characteristics.
WHAT THE STANDARD SHOULD NOT BE USED TO ASSUME
Conformity of an abrasive with SSPC-AB 1 does not independently demonstrate that the prepared surface has achieved the specified visual cleanliness, surface profile or soluble salt condition. Abrasive condition can also be affected by storage and handling after supply.
PRACTICAL INSPECTION APPLICATION
Inspectors can use abrasive documentation and specified testing as part of abrasive approval, receipt inspection or ongoing quality monitoring. Storage condition and evidence of contamination should also be considered. Where contamination or unsuitable abrasive condition is suspected, additional investigation may be appropriate. The prepared surface should be inspected separately against the project requirements.
RELATED TECHNICAL STANDARDS
RELATED TECHNICAL TOPICS
Abrasives; Mineral abrasive; Slag abrasive
RELATED PIL GUIDANCE
Practical guidance on assessing abrasive blast-cleaned steel surface profile before protective coating application.
Laser cleaning can remove coatings and corrosion, but the resulting surface must still be inspected and verified against the proposed coating system and project requirements.
RELATED EXPERTISE
Coating Inspection; Testing & Analysis; Technical Consultancy
ABOUT THIS TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Paint Inspection Ltd provides this information to help inspectors, engineers, asset owners and contractors understand the practical relevance of commonly referenced protective coatings standards. This page is PIL technical guidance and does not reproduce or replace the published standard. Users should refer to the current published standard, project specification, coating manufacturer requirements and other applicable contract documents when establishing project requirements or acceptance criteria.
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OFFICIAL STANDARD
PIL technical summaries are intended to explain the inspection relevance of industry standards and do not replace the published document.
STATUS AND SOURCE VERIFICATION
Current AMPP-published designation identified as SSPC-AB 1-2019. Verified September 2026.